

Lance Steinberg, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (GEFFEN)
Psychiatrist | Psychiatry
23501 Park Sorrento Suite 101 Calabasas CA, 91302
About
Renowned for his love for children, Dr. Lance Steinberg works at his private practice and as a clinical professor at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. As a passionate psychiatrist, Dr. Steinberg sees children and adolescents, dealing with issues relating to ADHD, OCD, Tourette Syndrome, and anxiety syndrome. Still more, Dr. Steinberg specializes in tics, Asperger’s, autism, and other co-existing issues in children. Dr. Steinberg works with the Neuropsychiatric Institute (a unit within UCLA Medical Center) as an Assistant Clinical Professor. He teaches advanced psychopharmacology, hypnosis to children, as well as adult psychiatrists. This assistant professor also teaches in areas of adolescents and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Lance Steinberg, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (GEFFEN)'s Videos
Education and Training
University of Southern California Bachelor Degree 0
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth 1982
Board Certification
psychiatry
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Provider Details

Lance Steinberg, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (GEFFEN)'s Expert Contributions
Spotlight Video | What is ADHD? | Lance Steinberg, MD
Lance Steinberg, MD is an Established Child & Adult Psychopharmacology Specialist And Psychiatrist at His Private Practice in Calabasas, Encino, and Valencia, CA.Dr. Lance Steinberg is a well-versed psychiatrist who treats patients at his private practice in Calabasas, Encino, and Valencia, CA....
What is the best medication for manic depression?
Currently, manic depression is treated both by the actual type of manic depression bipolar one, bipolar two, etc. as well as the current phase a person may be in. The phase can be one of depression, one of mania, or a combination called mixed, as well as if there are symptoms of not being in touch with reality psychosis. Also, the physician must take into account if the symptoms are acute, or chronic. To make things even more complicated, there are certain medication‘s that are FDA approved for certain age groups. And, if there are medical issues, certain medicines can be very problematic. Your question is very very important. As you can see, there’s no one easy absolute answer that is appropriate for everybody. I would suggest talking to your psychiatrist about your specific symptoms in addition to making sure all the medical issues you may have are known to the psychiatrist, and then get the psychiatrist to categorize the type of bipolar disorder you have, the phase you are in, and explain all of the options that may be helpful. I would schedule an extra long session so that the psychiatrist can explain in detail the safety and efficacy of all the various medication‘s that may be beneficial. Lots and lots of hope! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Anxiety and depression?
Both are very good medicines. The first thing I always do is make sure there is no medical condition that might be causing anxiety or depression or the lump in your throat. Once an internist or neurologist has examined you and cleared you have another medical condition, and if it is medically safe to be on Zoloft., Many people would consider doing two things: one would be cognitive behavioral therapy that would include stress reduction techniques, and then slowly increase the Zoloft to potentially 175 mg for several weeks, and potentially 200 mg after that. Should be cognitive behavioral therapy and higher dose of Zoloft not be effective, I would likely switch to another medication category with a different mechanism of action. This might include Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq, Trintellix, And so forth. Frequently anxiety and depression coexist in certain people. It’s better to mostly focus on your symptoms that are bothersome to you then trying to nail down a label. Hope this is helpful. All the best! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Query about a medicine that m taking
Your medicine contains the chemical olanzapine. And common side effects include both insomnia and constipation. If the medication is doing an excellent job for you, would discuss with your physician various approaches to minimize insomnia and constipation. Best wishes! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
How can one help a depressed sibling?
The most important thing is to be supportive. Be there to hold your sibling and listen to the emotional pain and difficulties. Love unconditionally. At the same time, direct your sibling to get professional help. Would strongly encourage directing your sibling to a psychiatrist. Even offer to take your sibling to meet with a psychiatrist. The expert and enabled you to be maxim Lee supportive in a very positive way while guiding your sibling to effective interventions that will be based upon the acuity and intensity of the depression and help your sibling be safe and recover maximally. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
What causes obsessive compulsive disorder?
This is an extraordinarily common issue. It is usually neurologically based, frequently genetic, but some people may have had an infection at one time that triggered obsessive compulsive disorder. The best way to help somebody with this difficulty would be to find out whether they would want some specific help. Would strongly encourage your friend to seek professional advice and treatment. Your friend could then run by the professional what type of help would be most advantageous from a friend. Generally, one should avoid enabling certain inappropriate behaviors, and merely being supportive of one’s friend seeking help and guidance from an expert. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Medication causing vertigo?
The manufacturer of sertraline does state that dizziness is a common side effect; however, many people have different terminology for dizziness compared to vertigo. Two really differentiate the two would be done best buy a neurologist. So, if you get dizzy from this medicine, you definitely are not alone. Some of the common side effects go away with time and some depend upon the amount of medication one takes. If the medicine has been especially helpful for you, then it certainly would be worth talking about this with a neurologist. There are many many medication‘s that are good for dizziness and vertigo if that is an option that you choose to take. It is always wise to make sure there is nothing else medically going on that might cause the symptoms. To be prudent, would consult with a neurologist. Wishing you only the best, Lance Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Thin skin?
Atenolol is a theory complex molecule. The best approach would seem to be an extraordinarily through analysis by an outstanding university affiliated academic Dermatologist. This would really help understanding the skin and all of its layers and particularly point to interventions. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Antidepressants and dog allergy?
Wow! Or should I say bow wow! Lol! Truthfully, I don’t have the answer. I do know that many medications can have anti-histamine effects, including some serotonin medicines. However, I must plead ignorance. I am not specifically familiar with SSRIs in regard to dog allergies per se. I frequently combine certain antihistamines with SSRIs to potentially augment sedation, and appetite and even use them to decrease serotonin syndrome. You actually ask a very very brilliant question. The ultimate expert would likely be your personal allergy immunology physician that is helping you with dog allergies. I hope this helps you. READ MORE
Is it a panic attack?
Sounds very very scary! I would strongly encourage you to list all of the details of your experience during these episodes including all of your thoughts, emotions, and physical feelings. But also try to understand if there are any particular triggers and anything that might help you feel better. If you talk directly with a psychiatrist about your personal experiences especially with a detailed sequence of events, the psychiatrist can help your understanding about what may be at the root of the issue, how to medically evaluate it, and ultimately come up with some very effective and efficient approaches to making things much much better! They getting a consultation with a psychiatrist, you are truly investing in your quality of life and definitely improving your future! Lots and lots and lots of hope! Get a consultation today so you can immediately get relief and have an even greater opportunity to enjoy your future sym symptom-free! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Medication interactions?
This is an excellent question. In general, if you ever want to take over the counter medication‘s, it’s always an excellent idea to talk with your pharmacist. Your pharmacist generally has access to a a very sophisticated computer program that will tell you if there are any serious drug interactions. Make sure you give the pharmacist all the medications,supplements and vitamins that you are taking I use a computer app called epocrates. It’s excellent, but not always as thorough as The pharmacist sophisticated computer program. According to my app, epocrates , Benadryl seems to be OK with Seroquel and valproic acid. There are actually others as well. Generally, Benadryl is also tolerated quite well. So, before actually purchasing some Benadryl, this is pure Benadryl without any other components, consult with your pharmacist. Have your pharmacist run Benadryl with the Seroquel and valproic acid to make sure it goes well. Every once in a while some new findings come to the awareness of pharmacists and physicians so I always advise asking the pharmacist that very day you’re about to purchase the medication in case any new data has arisen. Hope this is helpful, and may you never ever get another cold ! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
How much are private EEG not related to epilepsy?
I would actually go by the clinical judgment of your psychiatrist, or a neurologist. There are so many different approaches to aggression. Would certainly see if any of your diagnoses that you mentioned they specifically be contributing to the aggressive episodes. This would be very very helpful in getting the most appropriate and prudent medication. It also would help to fill up a Hierarchy of potential medication interventions. An EEG would be most appropriate if you are strongly considering a seizure disorder or abnormal wave forms. I would strongly encourage you to talk with your psychiatrist about your specific issues so that the multitude of medications that could benefit you could be looked at, in addition to anti-epilepsy medication‘s. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Anxiety question?
I’m so very sorry to hear this happened. The first thing most physicians consider our medical causes that need to be ruled out. That would include a sudden increase in thyroid hormone, a sudden increase in certain chemicals that act like adrenaline, and so forth. So having a very very thorough medical exam including blood and EKG as well as thorough examination of your nervous system on a basic physical examination. From a medication perspective, sometimes serotonin medicines actually do “poop out“. So sometimes an increase is necessary. Sometimes it may have been a poorly manufactured generic. Sometimes the body really needs a new and structurally different medication. While all these medical issues are being evaluated, would definitely strongly consider cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure response prevention. Really really really helps! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
suffering from akathisia
I am so sorry to hear you’re having akathisia. It can truly be so very very bothersome. Let me preface the following ideas by stating that the medicine Soltus is not used in the United States for various reasons. However, akathisia issues are worldwide. The first thing many of us do is try beta blockers like propranolol. Depending on your cardiac status, and physiology, and sensitivity to this medication. The several sources that I have consulted use from 30 mg to 80 mg per day, and one source was 60 mg to 120 mg per day. Obviously consult with your physician. The use of a benzodiazepine is very common. It’s one of the first augmentation strategies given in conjunction with a beta blocker. One of the more common benzodiazepines used here in the United States is diazepam. Various doses have been used. Once one goes beyond beta blockers with benzodiazepine augmentation, the scientific evidence for alternative interventions is not as solid. Some of the medication‘s that are used include the medicine clonidine instead of a beta blocker. Other alternatives include Cyproheptadine,mianserin, Mirtazapine, and medicines in the class of anti-muscarinic‘s like benztropine. Always follow your doctor‘s advice. Wishing you only the best. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
What is the best way to help bipolar children?
The best way to support bipolar children is to be both empathic and understanding while also giving them confidence and strength to understand their mood issues, and how to navigate and modulate their mood, and potentially regulate their mood. Do this in conjunction with a primary therapist and psychopharmacologist. It’s very important to understand that every human being has mood issues, and part of our growth as people include how to be aware of our moods, track them, and learn how to deal with them in a positive and constructive manner. I’m a big believer in using a mood calendar as a tracking device. The national Institute of mental health at one time had a mood chart that would help an individual be aware of their moods, and notice mood trends. This would be beneficial for all of us. There are certain trends that may indicate a need for increased talk therapy and possibly change in medication. It’s important to be concrete about the parameters. Would actually discuss with the primary therapist and psychopharmacologist as to when it is important to contact them, and never to hesitate to ask for help and direction. Medication is often a component in helping people with mood issues, as is stress reduction techniques. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Medicine interactions?
Please understand that Risperdal has its own set of side effects. So Alexa is an excellent medication and the important issue is that it has worked in a specific way, apparently very beneficially, and that might steer Wein into going back to it. Importantly, Celexa does have some cardiac issues. Prozac may cause weight loss. Zoloft because we can. All of these an anti-depressant medication‘s, the serotonin reuptake inhibitors, when added to Respert all, can increase the likelihood of serotonin syndrome. Very important to discuss all of this with your Health care provider. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
My mother might have schizophrenia?
This is a very astute question. It sounds like she has symptoms that include possible hallucinations and paranoia. These things can be for many many reasons. Your best off telling your mom to talk to a doctor that is either a neurologist or a psychiatrist. Would not jump to conclusions on her diagnosis, although schizophrenia is possible. Sometimes stress, medication, forms of depression and anxiety, can cause symptoms like these. Would suggest seeing if your mom is comfortable talking with you about what the doctor said, or allowing you to talk directly to the doctor. Your question is brilliant. Your mother is lucky to have you . Ultimately, she should be carefully evaluated by a neurologist or psychiatrist. It’s OK to not have all the answers to her questions or worries. It’s OK to respond with you need to talk to a specialist. And, it’s OK for you to just be supportive and caring . Try to get an opportunity to talk with the doctor that she saw for further guidance in case of difficulties arising and for you to get some personal help with a psychiatrist or mental health professional. This could also be an opportunity for you to talk with your own regular doctor for help in guidance. Best wishes! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Generic Depakote?
Depakote is a medicine used for many things, including bipolar disorder, as well as seizure disorder. By taking this medication, it does not create epilepsy in one’s brain. It is important to use it carefully because if one abruptly stops the medication, the brains reaction to the sudden withdrawal of the medication can be significant irritability at that moment along with a seizure at that moment. Hope that clarifies things for you. Best wishes! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Ocd
It sounds like you suffer from various forms of OCD. sometimes certain thoughts or images or sounds or smells or any stimulus can trigger your mind to reflexively respond with images, thoughts, feelings, etc. these reflexive responses are usually very upsetting and can sometimes linger on in the form of ruminations and further anxiousness. OCD is generally a familial disorder that runs in families and is believed to be a manifestation of a complicated neurologic system of a persons brain. On one hand it causes anxiety, until certain compulsions or behaviors are done, or certain thoughts take place. By ultimately doing certain thoughts or actions, the stress and tension and anxiety get better; however, OCD can make an individual feel imprisoned. OCD is so very common, most of us consider it a common variation of being quite human! The amazing thing is that a form of therapy is unbelievably successful in helping with both the unwanted thoughts as well as behaviors. Please search for a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure response prevention and mindfulness. This treatment is highly highly highly helpful! Sometimes medicine may also be used in addition. Find an expert in this form of therapy, commit to it, and you will hold the key to your freedom! Also, it’s good to remember that medication‘s like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may dramatically alleviate a lot of OCD symptoms. Lots and lots of hope! Feel free to contact the international OCD foundation. Good luck! Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Schizophrenia and OCD
Extremely important question as well as a difficult question. It is always best to customize Medication’s to a specific individual including drug interaction, medical issues, potential side effect tolerability. Many people believe that Clozapine is the strongest medicine for schizophrenia but it comes with significant number of side effects. OCD is classically helped by SSRIs including Prozac, Zoloft, and Luvox. The negative symptoms in schizophrenia have a wide range of treatments that go in and out of vogue. The most important thing is to work closely with your psychopharmacologist and be very honest with your prioritization of symptoms you desire to reduce. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Starting to feel crazy
You seem to be describing a reflexive behavioral reaction that is opposite to your thought. Many people would consider this a form of obsessive compulsive disorder. Frequently obsessive compulsive disorder involves thoughts or actions and behaviors that are virtually the opposite of what one would ordinarily do. In Somewhat older Termanology, these actions are ego dystonic – that is not consistent with who you are as a person. OCD does not make a person crazy. It is just a pattern of thinking. The fantastic usage of talking therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure response prevention and mindfulness has proven very very successful. Medicines have also been very helpful. Would strongly encourage you to seek out a Psychiatrist familiar with obsessive compulsive disorder that can describe in depth both non-medication and medication options for you, while taking into account the medication‘s your on and your own personal preferences. Lance Steinberg MD, Inc. Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (Geffen) NPI 1(818)224-3540 READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute -
Awards
- Exceptional Teaching Award Year
- Highest Rated Course Award Year
Professional Memberships
- American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the Los Angeles County Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association
- Southern California Psychiatry Society, the American Society of Adolescent Psychiatry, the Tourette’s Syndrome Association, the American Society of Psychopharmacology, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Association
Fellowships
- Stanford University Hospital and Clinics medical-psychiatric interface
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center psychiatry
Fellowships
- Stanford University Hospital and Clinics0medical-psychiatric interface
Professional Society Memberships
- American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the Los Angeles County Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association Southern California Psychiatry Society, the American Society of Adolescent Psychiatry, the Tourettes Syndrome Association, the American Society of Psychopharmacology, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Association
Lance Steinberg, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor UCLA (GEFFEN)'s Practice location
Lance Steinberg, M.D. - Calabasas
23501 Park Sorrento Suite 101 -Calabasas, CA 91302Get Direction
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Get to know Psychiatrist Dr. Lance Steinberg, who serves patients throughout the State of California.
Recognized as a passionate psychiatrist, Dr. Steinberg works with children, adolescents, and adults at his private practice, with offices in Calabasas, Encino, and Valencia, California. His specialties include ADHD and coexisting issues, as well as OCD, tics, Tourette syndrome, mood and anxiety disorders, Asperger’s, and autism.
His hospital affiliations include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center. He also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute, teaching advanced psychopharmacology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis to child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrists.
Regarding his educational background, Dr. Steinberg holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology & Psychology from the University of Southern California, finishing magna cum laude. He graduated from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and was designated a Rock Sleyster Scholar by the A.M.A. as one of the top ten medical students in psychiatry for the United States. He completed a full residency in pediatrics at UCLA and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, then a fellowship in adolescent medicine with an emphasis on medical-psychiatric interface at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics. Thereafter, he trained in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he has taught advanced child psychopharmacology, CBT, and self-hypnosis for over twenty years.
Having taught psychopharmacology internationally using humor and emphasizing clinical relevance, the doctor is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). The ABPN is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to serving the professions of psychiatry and neurology.
Professionally, Dr. Steinberg is a member of several medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the Los Angeles County Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Southern California Psychiatry Society, the American Society of Adolescent Psychiatry, the Tourette’s Syndrome Association, the American Society of Psychopharmacology, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Association.
Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders. These include various maladaptations related to mood, behavior, cognition, and perceptions. Psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations, develop treatment plans, prescribe medication, and evaluate treatment results.
As a testament to his success, Dr. Steinberg has received two Golden Apple Awards for “Outstanding Teaching”, and has received the “Exceptional Teaching Award in Child Psychopharmacology for 2018” from the Child Psychiatry Fellowship Program of UCLA / San Fernando Veterans Administration. Furthermore, his seminar “Child Psychopharmacology” was awarded “Highest Rated Course” from 2000 through 2010.
Among his other accolades include: Top Doctor Award for 2021 and 2020, Patients’ Choice Award for 2018, and Compassionate Doctor Recognition for 2018.
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